China’s evolving role in the formulation of internationally applicable norms, including those regarding conflict prevention, has attracted attention across the globe. With its growing economic, political and military might, China has risen as a major power, and sought changes to existing conflict management and prevention structures. China’s international engagement adheres to and respects sovereignty, non-interference and security norms.
In recent years, China has actively taken on the role of promoting the norms of conflict prevention in international relations through multilateral structures, mainly the UN. China’s increasing contributions to UN peacekeeping and its involvement in other UN activities have enhanced its position on the world stage.
China emphasizes conflict prevention principles based on state sovereignty and non-interference. This approach marks a departure from the aggressive policies promoted by Western countries and challenges the conventional frameworks based on the principles of Western civilization, where the so-called democracy and human rights were seen as fundamental measures for preventing conflict.
Consequently, in regions such as Africa and Southeast Asia, China’s actions are becoming increasingly popular, especially among countries that prefer to avoid international interference in their affairs and instead prioritize economic growth.
Furthermore, China is deepening its footprint in organizations at the regional level, especially in Asia. By taking an active role in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and other similar organizations, China has been instrumental in spreading its vision of conflict prevention that is widely embraced by Global South countries.
China’s conflict prevention strategies are also related to its economic policies. China believes that economic development is a way to avoid conflict. This is best exemplified by its Belt and Road Initiative, where infrastructures are viewed not only as business opportunities but also as a means to help foster stability in volatile regions, as it’s widely believed that social stability can be preserved with the help of economic development.
China has taken a number of steps, particularly over the last decade, to position itself as a defender of peace and a responsible country in mitigating the risks of conflict and instability around the world. Examples include: engaging in conflict mediation efforts in Afghanistan, Myanmar and African countries; creating a $200 million UN Peace and Development Trust Fund; hosting talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran that culminated in a joint statement announcing the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries; and bringing Palestinian factions together in Beijing to sign the Beijing Declaration, aimed at ending division and strengthening Palestinian national unity.
China’s growing participation in conflict prevention and management has various implications for the global system. By engaging in norms that advocate for state sovereignty, non-intervention, and economic growth as the means for achieving stability, China is effectively offering an alternative to the Western “liberal” model of democracy and civil society involvement in peacebuilding.
GT
